Let Me Give It To You Straight
Hi, I’m Dad Versus Eating Disorder and I use a lot of metaphors.
I mean, metaphors are great and all. Every writer should have a trunk full of them. I have a few trunks full. Along with a few closets and storage units.
Sometimes though, it’s time to just lay it out straight.
Eating disorders are hard.
Being the caregiver of a child or loved one with an eating disorder is all-consuming. It adds uncertainty and confusion to every facet of your life. You deal with so many emotions – anger, sadness, depression, helplessness, stress – you face daily, that no metaphor can truly capture.
Eating disorders steal. Eating disorders lie. Eating disorders isolate.
But there’s another bit of straightforward honesty that I’d like to add.
You can do this. You can beat this. You can find your team, make your plan, and fight for recovery.
Recovery is real, and recovery is possible.
Hard work, communication, patience, and love will get you where you need to be as a patient, as a caregiver, as a family and community.
I’ll say it again: Recovery is real, and recovery is possible.
- Move into the new year believing that your life belongs to you.
- Move into the new year knowing that you have what it takes to find that joy, strength, and resolve inside yourself.
- Move into the new year believing and with purpose.
You’ve got this. You’re loved. You’re supported. Recovery belongs to you. Seize it.
If you feel like you or your loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, please do the following:
- Reach out to a therapist, nurse, or doctor. Find an advocate in your area that can help direct you to an assessment.
- Educate yourself. Read. Research. Ask questions. The more you know the better prepared you are for the fight.
- If you’re in a higher level of care, work with your team. Be honest about your feelings, progress or lack of progress. Clear and honest communication is one of the most effective weapons against an eating disorder.
- Do the work. I know I say this a lot but it’s just the truth. Do. The. Work.
- Whether you’re a patient or a caregiver, cut yourself some slack. Don’t be hard on yourself. Be hard on the eating disorder.
- Find time for recuperation and self-care. Breath. Sleep. Stretch. Talk.
- Love yourself. Forgive yourself. Move forward knowing you’re not alone and you are loved.
About the Author
Dad vs Eating Disorder is the parent of a child in recovery from an eating disorder. After walking with his child through treatment at Veritas Collaborative, he set out on a mission to give a voice and honest perspective to eating disorder recovery. He shares his perspective on Twitter at Dad Versus Eating Disorder (@HopefullDadNC). Follow him for more first-hand thoughts, insights, and resources related to eating disorders recovery.
Tags: Recovery Resources